New study links vitamin D levels to depression in children

Young people who have low levels of vitamin D may be more prone to suffering from depression and requiring a prescription to buy Paxil, according to a new study out of the University of Bristol in the UK.

Numerous studies have shown a link between vitamin D deficiency and depression. However, the new investigation is among the first to show that this association is established in childhood and that improving vitamin D levels may reduce a young person's longer-term risk of depression.

For the study, researchers analyzed data from the Children of the 90s investigation, which has been tracking the health of 14,500 youths since the early 90s. The results showed that participants who had healthier vitamin D levels were significantly less likely to develop depressive symptoms between the ages of 10 and 13.

The researchers said they do not have enough evidence to recommend changing nutritional guidelines or to advise parents to give their children supplements. However, the study does suggest that further investigation be conducted.

"Given the importance of depression in childhood and adolescence and the relative ease with which vitamin D levels could be increased with supplements, randomized controlled trials to assess its effectiveness in preventing depressive symptoms would be appropriate," said lead researcher Anna-Maija Tolppanen.